Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs & Cats

Soft tissue surgery is a large subject, as it comprises any surgery that is not orthopedic. Procedures can range from simple cyst removals to complex and involved operations.
Dr. Phil Zeltzman
has more than two decades of experience in all forms of soft tissue surgery. Some of the procedures he commonly performs include:

Belly Surgery

Also known as exploratory laparotomy, belly surgery is performed for several reasons. They include the removal of diseased organs, removing bladder stones, taking biopsies, and removing foreign bodies. Yes, pets have been known to swallow a number of inedible items, including socks, locks, and rocks.

Dr. Zeltzman performs a preventive operation known as a prophylactic gastropexy. Meant for dogs at risk for GDV or “stomach twisting,” the surgery attaches the stomach to the inside of the belly, keeping it from twisting and possibly taking the animal’s life.

Mass Removal

Cysts and tumors can appear anywhere on or inside an animal’s body. They typically require removal. They may also be biopsied in order to first determine if the mass is either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Bladder and Urinary Surgery

The most common bladder surgery for dogs is the removal of bladder stones. For cats, it’s a procedure known as a perineal urethrostomy (PU). Male cats have a tendency to experience blockages in their urethra. When this happens several times, a PU is performed to widen the exit route.

Ear Surgery

Oftentimes, cats experience ear polyps, which are removed with various surgeries. Certain breeds of dogs, most often Cocker Spaniels, can have issues with ear infections. If the infection is bad enough, it may require a total ear canal ablation (TECA), or removal of the ear canal. As invasive as it sounds, the procedure yields terrific results, allowing pets to live ear infection and pain free.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Dogs, mostly Labs, can have a condition that paralyzes their larynx, or voice box. While it is a stressful condition, the “tie back” surgery widens the airway and is the difference between suffocating and breathing comfortably. In good hands, the complication rate is low.

For more information about the soft tissue surgeries he performs, please
contact Dr. Zeltzman
today.

Books by Dr. Zeltzman available on

Testimonial

“ Words can not express the gratitude we have for performing TPLO surgery on Kikka. She is doing amazing! You would never know she had surgery. She walks and runs perfect! Our dog has a wonderful active life thanks to you. ”

“ Just wanted to let you know that Darwin is doing great, running in the snow, and playing with his brothers. He is clearly a happy dog. Thank you it was well worth it. ”

“ There are no words nor enough cookies in the world that can express my gratitude to all of you for taking such good care of my baby. You have all been so kind and patient with all my questions and visits. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping Chase. ”

“ We have so much to be thankful for and especially thankful for the rejuvenation of our sweet Cala. She is a new dog thanks to the surgery! I just love having her healthy and happy again. Thank you for giving her and her family more time together. ”

“ Dear Miracle Workers, Thank you for your kind attention and care for our baby Baci! We are so grateful and thankful for all you have done to help him. You are a gift!"

“ I wanted to thank you deeply for the wonderful work you did on Buddy’s knees. He has been doing so well that he can jump two feet off the sofa from a running start! He’s a very happy dog and so are we. We will be proud to recommend you to anyone! "

“ You reconstructed the leg of my cat, Silla, who had suffered a spiral fracture of the left tibia. I am delighted to say that Silla, who is now almost 4, is still doing well. :-) Thank you for such a wonderful job well done!!! ”

“ Thank you for making Zoey almost as good as new. The recovery went faster and better than we expected. It has been a pleasure working with you. ”

“ We cannot thank you enough. We have no children, and our puppies mean the world to us. Every minute that we have with her since that day, we owe to you. So again, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ”

“ Words cannot describe how grateful my wife and I are for saving Dusty’s life. Although we were hesitant to have the surgery, you told us that age is not a disease and Dusty is otherwise healthy. Two weeks after surgery, Dusty is happier than ever! Has loads of energy and breathes normally now! ”

“ I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Harley, and for us, his family. If it had not been for you and your orthopedic skills, Harley would have either lost his leg or maybe even put down. You are truly an extraordinary surgeon. Thank you for giving Harley back to us. ”

“ Thank you for all your love and care while Maverick stayed with you! How comforting to know there are still nice people in the word who care about animals so much (including the caring attitude toward their owners). Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and Maverick’s. ”

“ I wanted to say thanks again for being so responsive and caring and for returning my little doggie back to health. He is a smiling boy once again! Many, many thanks to you. ”

“ It is almost a year since you repaired the broken foreleg of my then tiny black kitten Cinder. He is now big, strong, and very active. Thanks again for your expertise and dedication. ”

The materials offered on this website are intended for educational purposes only. Dr Phil Zeltzman does not provide any veterinary medical services or guidance via the Internet. Please consult your pet’s veterinarian in matters regarding the care of your animals.